“Arrest Of Our Members Won’t Save Deputy Speaker From Defeat In 2027” – Anyaso’s Camp Alleges Intimidation

The media team of Dr. Chima Anyaso has condemned the arrest of one of its members, Hon. Emenike Okorie, over alleged cyberbullying and cyberstalking linked to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

In a statement signed by Promise Uzoma Okoro, ANIPR, the group said Hon. Okorie, who is a former Deputy Transition Committee Chairman of Bende Local Government Area and supporter of Dr. Anyaso, was picked up by the Police on Wednesday following a petition.

The team expressed concern over the development, alleging that there have been persistent online attacks and derogatory comments directed at Dr. Anyaso by persons working with the Deputy Speaker, but that their principal has not resorted to seeking the arrest of those involved.

Emenike Okorie

According to the statement, Hon. Okorie is not the first supporter of Dr. Anyaso to face such a situation, recalling that on a previous occasion, their principal had to visit the Police in Igbere to facilitate the release of another supporter who had been arrested.

“We believe that political disagreements should not become a reason for intimidation or the selective application of the law. Allegations of cyberbullying and cyberstalking should be investigated fairly, impartially, and in accordance with due process, regardless of the political affiliations of the parties involved,” the statement said.

The group maintained that the arrest or questioning of its supporters will not make them abandon the defence of their principal, insisting they will continue to express their views within the bounds of the law.

“No petition should be used as a tool to silence legitimate political expression or intimidate citizens,” it added.

“Our commitment to our principal and our political convictions remains firm. We believe that the democratic process should be determined by the people through the ballot, not by fear, intimidation, or the criminalisation of political disagreements.

“Let me conclude by telling the Deputy Speaker that intimidation will not make any Labour Party member in Bende shake,” the statement concluded.

Efforts to get the reaction of the Deputy Speaker’s camp as at the time of filing this report were unsuccessful.